And despite Spurs also apparently offering Huddlestone to Aston Villa as one of four players they could select from in part-exchange for Christian Benteke, it appears Sunderland have made the breakthrough after meeting Spurs’ £5m valuation.

It is expected Huddlestone will have to take a pay-cut to move to the Stadium of Light, while passing a medical may also be a concern after on-going injury problems.

Tom Huddlestone could be on his way to Wearside (Picture: PA)

However, pending a successful medical and an agreement over personal terms, Huddlestone could become a Sunderland player within the next week, as Di Canio looks to build a squad capable of a mid-table finish.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is also believed to be keen on selling Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Jake Livermore and Scott Parker, in an attempt to freshen up the squad to mount a stronger challenge on the top four this term.